NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan today announced he would not be giving Milan Lucic any supplemental discipline for his hit on Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller in Saturday night’s Bruins win.

Shanahan had Lucic on the phone for an afternoon hearing.

“I had the hearing because I did make an initial assessment of the play as I do with all plays, but I did have some questions for Milan and I wanted to hear directly from him,” Shanahan told NHL.com. “They were regarding his intent; at what point did he know there was going to be a collision; and whether or not he felt he had the time to avoid the collision. I was satisfied with his answers.”

Shanahan continued: “The minor penalty called on the ice was the correct call. And, while it’s unfortunate that Miller was hurt I saw nothing egregious about this hit that would elevate it to supplemental discipline.”

This afternoon after practice in Wilmingon, Mass., Lucic again reiterated his point of view on the play.

“It’s the same thing as I explained after the game. I blocked a shot and I pushed the puck a little too far ahead of me,” said Lucic. “At first I was skating as hard as I could after the puck and I looked up and he was still in his net. And when I looked down at the puck, I was continuing on and the next thing I look up and he’s coming out full speed at me. Obviously it was a hard collision and I didn’t everything I could just to brace myself. Like he said, I have 50 pounds on him. So that’s probably why he might’ve got the worst of it. Even if you look at the video, I was cringing after the play too because I was winded, because it was such a hard collision. He got a good piece of me as well and that’s pretty much it.”

I actually think Cole’s hit was somewhat similar even if it had less impact. You could even say he went more out of his way to make contact than Lucic did. Obviously the main difference is that Lucic was barreling along pretty fast so the impact was greater. I didn’t like either hit. I thought both were worthy of the penalties they got, but certainly not a suspension.

Meanwhile, why is it that the Canucks always seem to have so much to say about other teams’ misdeeds? I found it strange that last year there were 4 or 5 of them chiming in about Chara.

Oh well, at least there aren’t any Sabres fans coming here and posting a million abusive rants on the matter. I for one am grateful.

Remember when Aaron Ward was sucker punched by Scott Walker and the NHL rescinded the “automatic” suspension? Remember when Matt Cooke ruined Marc Savard’s career – and life? No suspension. Remember when Lucic was suspended for hitting Lapierre, and only a couple of games later Komiserek broke his stick across and cut up Lucic’s face? Again, no suspension.

I guess you forgot about all those instances, eh?

As far as Lucic’s hit on Miller, there is no doubt that Milan did commit an infraction, and he served his 2-minute penalty. I don’t agree with Looch’s actions and I’d hate it if the roles were reversed and it were Timmy or Tuukka getting hit like that. But I also don’t believe for a second that there was any intent to injure on that play whatsoever. The play is definitely not suspension worthy, and I think that the whole thing is blown out of proportion.

I like and respect Ryan Miller as a player, but after watching the replay a million times, I am confused as to how he came to be concussed on that play. I’m not saying he isn’t – I just don’t see how he was injured.

The most amazing commentary on the Lucic hit is Alex Burrough’s. He stated, after Shanahans ruling, “What’s next line brawls, or players leaving the bench to fight?” This, coming from a player who lowered himself to biting fingers.
By the way, the best hit of the Stanley Cup final was when Lucic rang Burrough’s bell behind the Boston goal. I know some of you would vote for Thomas’ hit on Sedin, or Boychuk’s hit on Kesler, or Sidenberg’s hit on anyone, but Lucic gets the crown.

I wonder if Cole will get a call from Shanahan today. He ran Enroth in his crease last night. Unlike Lucic, there was no breakaway, no fore checker on him, his head was up and he croaked Enroth. I guess Cole didn’t read Shanahan’s memo?

Agreed, RD, Looch will undoubtedly be visiting Shanny sometime down the road. Love the way he plays the game, but the price to pay for it is him occasionally steppin’ over the line in the eyes of the league. I don’t think the play was suspension worthy, but it wouldn’t have shocked me if he got a game for it either. Certainly wouldn’t want that happening to my goalie, but I would also like to think the B’s would have Timmah’s/Tuukka’s back on that one.

Anyways Ryan Miller needs to shut his trap once in a while IMO; If #17 is a “P.O.S.”, what does that make your pansy ass teammates who failed to respond? I don’t know, something just tells me Miller would’ve whined even if Lucic brushed him on that play. He’s got that golden child/superstar goalie sense of entitlement about him. Grow a pair, Ryan, and do what Timmy would and go after the guy next time that happens!

Oh and nice clip there Karl! Always eager for an excuse to watch Neely kick ass and/or Lindy get humiliated.

Chara on Pacioretty equals no suspension.
Boychuk on Raymond equals no suspension.
(Both had broken backs and are lucky to be ever walking again let alone playing hockey),
Lucic on Miller equals no suspension.

For whatever reason (big east coast money??) the Boston Bruins are being favored over every other team in the NHL. It is not fair and it stinks. Such favoritism will hurt the game. I am very disappointed in Brendan Shanahan’s bowing to the pressures that are clearly being exerted on him. Shame shame especially on the Boston Bruins.